Blu Ray Review: The President’s Analyst

Kino Lorber has released, on blu ray, Theodore J. Flicker’s quirky 60s comedy about the title character (James Coburn) and his involvement with a patient who is connected to the government undercover (Godfrey Cambridge).  This leads to him treating the President of the United States for private sessions.  This, of course, makes the doctor sought after by other countries to reveal what he knows.

The 1960s was a fascinating time for cinema, as American film explored edgier concepts and expanded their filmmaking techniques.  New Hollywood was on the horizon, so a film like The President’s Analyst represents the era of a precarious balance between classic film ideas and a newer, fresher approach. 

The President’s Analyst explores a myriad of different approaches, with its sharp, witty dialog, quirky script, and committed performances. 

James Coburn’s serious approach to the material enhances the subtleties of the comedy, while Godfrey Cambridge’s focused performance anchors all of his scenes.  It also reminds one of the level of talent Cambridge had for both comedy and acting.  He was already semi-retired when he died at the young age of 43, while working on a new project.

Kino’s blu ray of The President’s Analyst is a brand new HD master from Paramount Pictures from a 4k scan of the original camera negative.  It includes new audio commentary by film historian/writer Julie Kirgo and writer/filmmaker Peter Hankoff, along with an audio commentary by novelist and Critic Tim Lucas.

It is available at this link:  ANALYST